The Shippers by Katherine Center: My Honest Review

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Book Details

Release Date: May 19, 2026 
Genre: Contemporary Romance 
Tropes: Friends to Lovers, He Falls First, Miscommunication, Destination Wedding 
Steam Level: Low (only a kiss or two) 
POV: First person, JoJo only

What This Book Is About

JoJo Burton heads to her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship determined to finally fix her love life, even if that means pursuing her first crush for closure.

But when her estranged best friend Cooper unexpectedly shows up, the one who broke her heart years ago, everything becomes a lot more complicated.

My Full Review

Katherine Center is easily one of those authors that I will auto-read each year, no matter the storyline of her latest new release. But I was all-in for The Shippers once I saw that Project Conquest would bring long-time friends who have been estranged, back together with the guise of the heroine snagging a new man!

This book definitely hooks you from the start when JoJo decides to call off her wedding (how she does so is hilarious!) the day of her wedding after running into her friend Cooper again after he ghosted her four years prior.

Cooper instantly became this lovable book boyfriend who throughout the story proved time and time again that he was the best man for JoJo because he was completely in love with her. I honestly loved everything about this man who decided to throw himself back in the ring despite JoJo being so completely clueless about his feelings.

Which brings me to JoJo. I could understand why she had commitment issues given her father and her parent’s marriage (and her father actually had an interesting story arc) but girl, clue into the amazing man in front of you! It was cute how she was trying to force things with Finn when Cooper was right there taking care of her the entire time.

So yes, Cooper was the absolute best part of this story as is Katherine’s author’s note which I look forward to reading in every one of her new books. And the part about the hickeys was laugh-out-loud funny.

I also love learning new things from Katherine which she always sprinkles into her books and this one included topics such as cleithrophobia, knot theory, semiotics, and nominal aphasia.

Did I also think that this book went a bit off the rails on the island with added angst and shenanigans towards the end (and honestly a bit dark with JoJo’s attempted assault and Cooper’s past), also yes, but I think fans of Katherine’s work will enjoy The Shippers this summer.

And as is her signature, this book is very low steam (only a kiss or two).

What I Loved

• Cooper. Just… Cooper. (aka your next book boyfriend obsession)

He instantly became one of those book boyfriends you can’t help but fall for. The way he shows up for JoJo again and again while clearly being completely in love with her was everything.

• He falls first (and never stopped).

Watching Cooper put himself back out there despite JoJo being completely oblivious to his feelings made this so satisfying and, at times, a little painful in the best way.

• The humor and chaos. 

From the opening wedding-day scene (which is honestly hilarious) to some of the more over-the-top moments later on, this book had me laughing out loud more than once.

• Katherine Center’s signature “learning moments.” 

I always love how she weaves in unexpected topics, and this one includes things like cleithrophobia, knot theory, semiotics, and nominal aphasia which somehow just works.

• The emotional layers. 

JoJo’s commitment issues and her family dynamics added depth, and I especially found her father’s storyline interesting.

Things to Know Before You Read

• This is a very low steam romance (think: kisses only) 

• There is a strong miscommunication element driving the story 

• The story takes a more dramatic and slightly chaotic turn toward the end, with a darker emotional edge

• Some darker elements are introduced later in the book (including an attempted assault and past trauma) 

This is a great pick if you’re in the mood for a heartfelt, slightly chaotic friends-to-lovers romance with a hero you’ll absolutely adore.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Cooper completely made this book for me, and if you’re someone who loves a hero who’s been quietly in love all along, The Shippers delivers.

While parts of the story leaned a bit over-the-top toward the end, I think longtime Katherine Center fans will still really enjoy this one.

And as always, her author’s note was one of my favorite parts.

If You Liked This, Read Next

If you’re looking for more books like this, check out:

• Best Friends to Lovers Romance Books 
• Romance Books That Inspire Travel 
• Best Slow Burn Romance Books 

More Books by Katherine Center

• The Love Haters by Katherine Center
• The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
• Hello Stranger by Katherine Center